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Email dealers for an out-the-door price

Ask several dealers for the same thing in writing: the itemized total for the exact car, without add-ons. Then compare the totals, not the monthly payments.

Ask for the itemized out-the-door price in writing: sale price, doc fee, tax, DMV fees and any add-ons, with the total. Under California's CARS Act, in effect since October 1, 2026, the dealer's first written reply is reported to need the total price; ask for it either way.

Source: California's CARS Act (SB 766, Stats. 2025 ch. 354), checked October 25, 2026.

Check your whole quote

Paste the dealer's email or type the lines. Every line is marked required, negotiable or optional under California rules, with the message to send back.

No quote handy? Try a sample:

Free. No account. We don't keep your photo.

Questions

Why ask for an out-the-door price instead of a monthly payment?

A monthly payment can hide add-ons and a longer loan. The out-the-door total is the one number you can compare between dealers.

How many dealers should I email?

A few that have the car or can get it. The best written total gives you a number to bring to the others.

What if the dealer only replies with a payment?

Ask again for the itemized total. Then paste their reply into the checker below to see what is required, negotiable or optional.

More for your dealer visit

California doc fee capThe most a dealer may charge for paperwork, and what to say if it is higher.Out-the-door price calculatorPrice, doc fee and sales tax for the city where you will register the car.Which dealer fees are negotiableRequired, capped, negotiable and optional: every common line on a quote.Dealer markup over MSRPSee how far over sticker a price is, and how to push back.VIN etchingAn optional dealer add-on, and the words to decline it.Nitrogen-filled tiresAn optional dealer add-on, and the words to decline it.Paint protectionAn optional dealer product, and the words to decline it.Dealer prep feeA dealer charge, not a government fee, and how to push back.